"HAPPY WILD THINGS!": BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATED POSTER FROM THE AMERICAN PREMIERE OF "WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE," INSCRIBED BY MAURICE SENDAK TO A CLOSE FRIEND
SENDAK, Maurice. Poster inscribed ["Where The Wild Things Are and Concert Scenes from Higglety Pigglety Pop!"]. [Minnesota: Ordway Music Theatre, 1985]. Color poster, measuring 24 by 18 inches inches; handsomely framed, entire piece measures 25 by 19 inches. $4000.
Lovely poster illustrated by Maurice Sendak advertising the American premiere of the Sendak and Knussen opera "Where the Wild Things Are," inscribed below the main illustration for presentation to a neighbor and close friend: "For Elizabeth—happy Wild Things!—Maurice Dec. '85."
This poster advertises the American premiere of Oliver Knussen & Maurice Sendak's "Where The Wild Things Are and Concert Scenes from Higglety Pigglety Pop!" by the Minnesota Opera and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at the Ordway Music Theatre. Sendak was passionate about both opera and classical music throughout his life and, for many years, dreamt of starting a national children's theater. Though the first attempt with Robert Redford fell through, Sendak did eventually found the Night Kitchen which succeeded and launched many of its actors into stardom. The former owner of this inscribed poster was Maurice Sendak's neighbor, Andrew, from Ridgefield, Connecticut. Sendak bought a home and studio in Ridgefield in 1972 with his longtime partner, Eugene Glynn, and lived there until his death. Andrew first encountered Sendak in 1975 during one of his daily dog walks. (Sendak owned many dogs throughout his life, and they often starred in his books.) Andrew was immediately taken with Sendak, who reminded him of his recently deceased father. One day, Andrew called Sendak at home and asked if he could join him on his walks. Andrew and Sendak thus embarked on a 37-year friendship that also included the Andrew's mother, Betty, as well as Andrew's brother. Sendak went on long walks and hikes with Andrew and his family regularly, discussing general life events, opera, and books. He also invited them into his studio to show off works in progress. Andrew's mother, Betty, was an avid reader and collector and she and Sendak would talk late into the night about books. Sendak offered Betty advice about how to find and authenticate rare children's books, which she used to build her collection. Additionally, he frequently bartered for autographs (i.e. a cake for an inscribed drawing featuring the cake). Sendak often referred to Betty as "Elizabeth" in inscriptions as he felt that "Betty" was too common a name. The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections.
About-fine condition.